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10 Questions with ... Brian Hatfield
November 17, 2008
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NAME:Brian HatfieldTITLE:Music Director/AfternoonsSTATION:WKSF 99.9 Kiss CountryMARKET:Asheville (best city in the NC)COMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:in a hospital after I popped outta mommaRAISED:Detroit, MI area
Please outline your career so far:
9/94 - Young Country WYCD Detroit
9/99 - WSOC Charlotte
8/03 - 3/08 WKKT Charlotte (Voicetracking)
2/04 - 9/04 KKAT Salt Lake City (bought by Citadel)
9/04 - Current WKSF Asheville
7/07 - 3/08 - WTQR Greensboro (still voicetracking)1. Tell us how you got into radio? Was it a planned thing or did you fall into it by accident?
I honestly don't remember. I was drinking all the time in Canada, 'cause you can do that legally when you are 19. I binged one night and woke up with a realization I needed to do something. I was a mobile DJ so I said: I'm ugly enough to be behind a radio station mic and my boss man agreed.
2. In April of this year you returned to WKSF after being gone for about 10 months. What was it like going back? Was it like you never left or had a lot of things changed?
Funny, the only thing that changed was the sales people, as in any radio station. I was getting a bigger office when I returned but ultimately got my old one back. Even with my super secret hidden lens and microphone in the wall that NO ONE WILL EVER FIND!
3. Name three songs that have had a profound impact on your life and tell us about them.
I'll be honest; there haven't been three particular songs in my life. I love all kinds of music, from Gospel to Heavy Metal to Asian music. It's all good, and it has defined me.
4. I noticed on your MySpace page that you are currently attending college. That's awesome! Tell us where you go, your major and when you expect to be done.
When I was in Greensboro, I thought, what the heck, let's get some other classes out of the way for the future and maybe one day I can get a degree. So with that in mind, and the fear of this business knocking you out at anytime, I figured, let's get some edumacation going. Just doing study on your own classes right now.
5. If we were coming to Asheville for the day and you were our tour guide, where would you take us?
Hmmm, I would love to say "Hey, let's go to the Biltmore House," but that is too trite. So I would take you downtown to meet and hang with all the hippies. They are the REAL tourist attraction. :)
6. In all of your years in radio there have to be at least a few "wow, I love my job" moments. Tell us about a couple that really sticks out in your mind.
Yeah, in Detroit when I was WYCD, we were head to head with W-4 at the time, and at concerts, it was such a battle to impress the listeners. We always outshined them and yes, it was in the beginning of my career, but I still think we have those moments, albeit a few less, but WOW - just to see and hang with the listeners who are fans is truly the best!!
7. What are your thoughts on the state of Country music right now? Who are some artists that you find really exciting?
It's exciting to be apart of something that we can change, and we can adapt to. Right now I think Country Music is going through a moment. We aren't finding the KILLER new acts yet. Now, one artist who I truly think can be the next BIG star is Jake Owen. He is one of kewlest guys to hang out with and he likes to show you how real he is- and he likes to drink!!
8. If you could give record reps one piece of advice when dealing with radio what would it be?
Be patient! I know your agenda is a little different than ours, but we have to make sure people are actually hearing the music before you think it is over. It's been the same way for YEARS. We are trying to co-exist together and when we work together it will be VERY SUCCESSFUL.
Plus, I WILL CALL YOU BACK. Emailing is much better though. :)
9. Who are a couple of you favorite regionals to work with, and why?
Now, I can't name anyone particularly, I have my favorites, but I do enjoy each person's unique-nesses.
10. If someone were filming The Brian Hatfield Story, who would play you?
WOW, that is a tough one. Probably the guy who was Arnold Horseshack on "Welcome Back Carter," 'cause growing up I was that guy that everyone loves to pick on. I didn't have his scarf though. That thing ROCKED!
Bonus Questions
1. What was the first album you purchased? First concert attended?
If I recall it was "Pyromania" from Def Leppard. WOW, what an incredible album!
2. When you have a day off, what do you like to do?
I really like to think a lot. I know that sounds bizarre. I do work around the house, or outside and just think about life. There is so much to look forward to; if I miss any of it then I'm really hurting myself. Now in the summertime it's the boat baby! We fashioned a paint stick into a beer bong. INCREDIBLE!!
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